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Investigate Feasibility of Using Ground Penetrating Radar in QC-QA of Rubbilization Projects

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) constructed its first rubblization project in 1988. Since then, the department has consistently used this treatment on many of its rehabilitation projects. A thorough QC/QA process is critical to the successful completion of a rehabilitation program. To ensure the extent of breaking meets the desired size specifications, a test pit is made at the beginning of a project to check for proper particle size throughout the thickness of the concrete. Once the engineer has verified the specification requirements are being met, field personnel rely on visual observation of fracturing pattern obtained on the top surface and assume there is a fairly similar pattern through the depth of concrete. Preliminary testing conducted by the researcher has indicated that surface appearance may not be indicative of actual condition. There is a need for continued monitoring of the fracturing process; however, test pits are destructive tests, time consuming, and costly. An alternative procedure that can monitor fracturing results with reduced effort, perhaps in real-time, is needed. The objective of "Investigate Feasibility of Using Ground Penetrating Radar in QC/QA of Rubblization Projects" is to determine whether ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a suitable technology for mapping the physical condition of fractured slab rapidly, without disturbing the fractured layer.